Too little during dry weather periods – when streams and aquifers are not recharged, fish cannot survive, vegetation dies and there isn’t enough water for communities and commercial activity.

There are costs, liabilities and sustainability consequences associated with each extreme.

The CVRD wants to ensure that our watersheds remain balanced, and continue to function effectively so that both our communities and the environment get the right amount of water at the right time.

Slow, Sink and Spread Rainwater

Please do your part by using the tool to explore how your property development/redevelopment plans can help our region better manage our rainwater resources. There are a number of simple solutions that allow your property to capture, store and slowly release the right amount of rainwater into the ground to replenish aquifers, streams and rivers. By applying some of these solutions, every property should be able to manage its own rainwater during an average rainfall and help restore the natural balance of the region’s water. There will always be larger rainfall storms that will need to be directed into regional green infrastructure (natural and constructed wetlands, creeks and riparian areas) or grey infrastructure (detainment and conveyance systems, stormwater pipes and channels).

The goal is to make your property mimic the natural flow of water that is appropriate for your watershed. Mimicking nature and natural systems is a key component in good watershed and climatic strategies. With a few small adaptations to your property’s design that serve to “slow, sink and spread” rainwater, your site can function as it did when it was undeveloped. As a bonus, the water management solutions presented in this tool add value and beauty to your property.

We anticipate that you will find this interactive tool to be an efficient and enjoyable way to rapidly test alternative rainwater control types and sizes.

[Please note that the Water Balance Express Tool has been upgraded. Returning users will need to create a new account on the new site.Click for more information]